Stern dips to No. 3 in Sports Business Daily’s Most Influential List

NBA commissioner David Stern took a dip in the Sports Business Journal’s ranking of the top 50 most influential people in sports business.

Stern is ranked No. 3 in this year’s poll after being ranked No. 1 last year. He now trails NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, now ranked No. 1, ESPN/ABC Sports president George Bodenheimer at No. 2.

“As the dean of professional sports commissioners, David Stern continues to pull all the right strings as the NBA enjoys a renaissance not seen since the Jordan era,” SBJ writes. “This year, though, puts Stern under the spotlight as he pushes for huge changes in a new labor deal with the players that could lead to a lockout. But few, if any, can handle the glare as well as Stern.”

The three critical figures who will be involved in the NBA’s labor relations in the upcoming season — Stern, NBA deputy commissioner Adam Silver and executive director of the NBA Players Association Billy Hunter — all made the list. Silver ranks No. 27 on the list and Hunter is No. 30.

Only one NBA owner makes the list. New Washington Wizards owner Ted Leonsis, who also owns the Washington Capitals, is ranked No. 37. SBJ notes that Leonsis is included because he’s “become one of an exclusive group that owns two major professional sports teams and an arena in a top-10 market.”

A couple of other figures with association to the NBA made the list. Turner’s president of sales and sports David Levy checked in at No. 13. Charlie Denson, the president of Nike Brand, and Mark Parker, the CEO of Nike, Inc., shared the No. 14 position. And Herbert Hainer, chairman & CEO of adidas, ranked No. 23.

Tim Leiwieke, the president and CEO of AEG, is ranked as No. 12. He’s a pivotal behind-the-scenes player in the quest to bring the NFL back to Los Angeles, along with a key figure in the arena deals for the Clippers and the Lakers.

And several agents linked to the NBA also made the list including Casey Wasserman at No. 24 and co-heads for CAA Michael Levine and Howard Nuchow are 36th.

Considering the growing popularity of the NBA, it’s a little surprising that more NBA figures don’t dot the list.

Particularly Cuban, who is becoming widely known as one of the most quotable owners in pro sports.